I would paint the walls first. That color of brick seems warm and relatively neutral, it might be very nice in a room with soft white walls. And if not, you will have an easier time figuring out the right color for the brick. I'm not sure a mantel is a good idea. The firebox is unusually high on the wall. On the plain brick, it's a unique mid-century look. Adding a mantel takes you in a more traditional direction that may just look really odd.

I agree the firebox is unusually high… Can you recommend a soft white paint? I appreciate your feedback!

The yellowed center of the ceiling tiles are a bit distracting and look sort of run down. What is the ceiling material? Can it be painted?

I'd paint the walls and the brick the same soft white color. If it were your own home to live in, I'd find a way to decorate around the natural wood walls, but as a rental unit, I think the wood will be a turnoff to renters.

Do you intend to keep the kitchen as is?

Ceilings are being replaced, New kitchen countertop going in… will paint kitchen cabinets and change the hardware on the cabinets

I don't have the skill or knowledge to recommend specific paint colors. But many people here are good at helping with that, so hopefully one of them checks this thread.

Is that knotty pine on the walls? I think one of the pros here has mentioned that pine is very difficult to paint. You might want to drywall over the wood for an easier rehab project.

thank you so much! I never realized knotty pine was difficult to paint
I was thinking Benjamin Moore White Dove but haven’t used the color before

INvestment to flip or rent out ? IMO first step get that FP checked to make sure it is to code and actually works . I have ppainted knotty pine and iften explain how much work to do it right 2 coats really good primer and 2 coats of a good quality paint and not paint and primer in one . The color depends on many things . The FP first then the ceiling the the wall paint and what are the floors? I would not spend money on doing new counters in the kitchen unless they are damaged since the cabinets are really dated . I need more info as to what the plan is for the place .

going to Air BNB it. I need to put down new laminate floors… I will definitely get FP inspected . I will paint and put new cabinet hardware on

What kind of area are you in to draw clients ? Most of these types of rentals are pretty upscale so you need to have some idea of the type of clent you will get . IMO that kitchen could be fun to go MCM retro style for everything and keep the turquoise counter but before doing anything or getting help you need to know who the clients will be. Do you have skiers, a beach what draws people to your area? Wahy laminate floors and before you decide that you need to figure out how you will market this .

it’s Cape Cod MA so a beach community. It will be on Air BNB and laminate floors are in the budget

As a beach AirBnb, def. paint the wood walls and shelves white.

Probably the same white for the ceiling to open things up a bit...color wash the same color the trim and doors, too. White Dove sounds nice.

Paint the brick charcoal gray or at least paint out the white bricks in it.

I would not worry about adding a mantle.

Thank you ! I love all
this feedback

AirBNB on Cape Cod? Don't paint the walls. Fill those shelves with books, board games, and puzzles - rainy day activities. Sell this as an old fashioned, rustic, beach camp experience. Blanding it out, like you would do to a regular rental, isn't the way to go unless you can afford to redo it at a luxury level.

thank you for this advice!

You could easily market it as Retro/Vintage if you leave the walls and/or the blue counters.

Otherwise I thought Airbnb clients wanted something upgraded- striking, not luxurious necessarily. That's why I think white.

I have to agree - an airbnb in Cape Cod - the pine is really nice to keep. It is ok to paint it if you really don't like it. Please not white - too boring! Do a warmer white.

I would get someone in to scrub that fireplace brick. It looks nice and will be fine.

Can we see more of the kitchen? I am concerned about doing stone tops on those older cabinets - are they strong enough?

I have stayed in many places around the Cape. Don't over do it. It may get you a little more money. But on the Cape in season, everything rents for top dollar no matter what the condition. I have read up on may places - the ones that draw me are : responsive host, comfortable beds ( critical ) , nice bathroom, decent kitchen, great outdoor space. I don't see people complaining about the color of the walls or the brick on a fireplace.

The Cape is an experience. Make the home open and inviting and a little beachy BUT not Florida beachy and not too many knick knacks.

Good luck!

more of the green kitchen

I never thought of keeping it!! great perspective

Yeah, I would really lean into the vintage charm on that one. It's not MCM but it's still very period. It needs either updates that stay within style, or a full gut remodel.

• Retrofit a dishwasher, even if it's an 18" one, if at all possible.
• A white range would look a lot better, doesn't have to be vintage-styled. You might be able to find a used one cheap.
• Get the electrical updated. That range cord tells me the entire wiring might be old and outdated. Inconvenient and possibly a downright safety hazard you don't want in a rental.
• Don't add a mantel on the fireplace--make the fireplace cozier by placing cushy small ottomans there that fill the visual space below, and let people sit right by the fire.

I have an electrician updating all the wires and plugs

Good idea about the ottomans near the fireplace!

I created a prompt for Ai for you for one idea for inspo for retro...log furniture. We have some, indestructable. Nice smooth sanded and varnished.

Wow thank you so much!! this is great !

I’d paint the whole room white, including the fireplace.

Love the turquoise kitchen counters! Too bad they are not in great shape. If it wasnt an investment property, I’d be tempted to paint it all white, but mimic the turquoise on the fireplace. :)

I like this idea for covering the brick rather than just painting it.

So many ways to do this!

My husband and I vacation almost yearly in Cape Cod. Location is always key. I think as long as it is neat and very clean, and located near the beach and within walking distance to restaurants etc. you can almost do anything and it will be in demand. I don’t mind the pine at all, the fireplace is a bit glaring, and the counter tops, as long as they are in good condition look good! Where in the Cape is it located?

I agree with you .. it has to be neat and clean.. fireplace is in a weird spot!

What chat GpT program does the pics ? my regular chat GpT won’t do pics . I love the wood around the fireplace in pics!

Great advice already - what is your plan for the floors? I love the knotty pine for a Cape rental but the floors would need to jibe with it -

I love the turquoise counters too - the fridge kills me a bit, I’d be tempted to get that in a better spot (a colorful Smeg would be fun but likely doesnt have good ROI for a rental)

I agree that a Cqpe Cod rental being vintage would be better than “good”. Spend your time and money on very comfortable furniture (the log furniture idea sounds great), with big, colorful area rugs and warm throw blankets. Every bathroom needs to accommodate several peoples’ towels so show us those.

Good mattresses, clean sheets, every weight of blankets and comforters with duvets you can wash, solid hangers (buy a box of the colorful strong plastic ones for each bedroom) and enough hangers for the coat closet that are sturdy since you may get winter guests too. (Nantucket in the winter was one of the coldest experiences of my life, but beautiful .)

Comforts of home are way more important. The house is adorable AS IS. Repaint the sheet rock walls so they’re clean but I would not spend the time and money removing the pine with a paint job. Other items matter more in a rented house. Kitchen items need to be clean and abundant. Fresh pots and pans, etc. Essential cleaning items. Your list is pretty long. The pine walls, if cleaned, can be a draw for some people but your location trumps everything. Except cleanliness and comfort.

floors are going to be laminate floors. The kitchen needs new appliances and the bedrooms will have comfortable mattresses

Laminate wood look? Marmoleum would look great with the knotty pine

I never heard of marmoleum… will check it out!

For the AI I use Google Presentation free online slideshow software.

Click the icon "Help me create an image" and the prompt box appears "Describe your idea" and you get four images.

My prompt pretty much described the room I had in mind including the blue and pink cloud painting, and log furniture, etc.,...and AI filled in the blanks.

I think you might have to sign up for a Google account?

I have a google account and will take a look at this. thank you!

If you intend to use the place year round and you have access to natural gas or propane, perhaps you could look into replacing your fireplace insert with a gas insert.

that’s a great idea… cleaner too

I think renting out a place with a wood burning fireplace is a bad idea, especially renting it short term with fast turnovers. I spend my summer on the Cape and see what renters to do places on my street, you would be shocked! Mix a wood burning fireplace with alcohol guzzling people on vacation and you've got trouble. My homeowners insurance there has increased tremendously over the past few years as many towns are taxing second homes at a higher rate now and your rates will be higher still just because you will be renting it out. If you have a relationship with an insurance company there it might be a good idea to ask them what features you should or should not have in a rental house.

thank you for this information! I will definitely ask my insurance company about this

justmyopinion has an excellent point. Having a flashback now to helping my parents clean up their rental home. College guys had set up a wood-chopping station in the living room. Moved out leaving the chopping block and axe behind.

sounds like a nightmare!!

This post is a year old...I wonder whatever happened?

Updated pics

wow it is absolutely perfect!

Thank you so much !